Himachal Pradesh General Knowledge
This HP Patwari section tests state-specific general knowledge: how Himachal Pradesh was formed, its administrative units, symbols, rivers, passes, dams and district-level distinctions. Questions are factual and often hinge on one word.
Core facts
- Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15 April 1948 as a Chief Commissioner's Province by merging hill states; Punjab hill areas were added on 1 November 1966, and full statehood came on 25 January 1971.
- It has 12 districts, capital Shimla, winter capital Dharamshala, High Court at Shimla, 68 Assembly seats, 4 Lok Sabha and 3 Rajya Sabha seats.
- State symbols: snow leopard (animal), Western Tragopan (bird), pink rhododendron (flower), deodar (tree).
- Major rivers: Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Yamuna. Bhakra dam is on the Sutlej, Pong on the Beas, Chamera on the Ravi, and Nathpa Jhakri on the Sutlej.
- Key passes: Rohtang connects Kullu with Lahaul; Kunzum connects Lahaul with Spiti; Shipki La lies in Kinnaur; Baralacha La links Lahaul with Ladakh.
Worked example
If asked which pass connects Kullu with Lahaul, choose Rohtang. Reason: Rohtang lies on the Manali-Leh route and separates the Kullu valley from Lahaul; Kunzum is the Lahaul-Spiti link, so it is a distractor.
Traps that cost marks
Do not confuse formation (1948) with statehood (1971). Dharamshala is the winter capital, not the summer capital. Lahaul and Spiti is the largest district by area, while Hamirpur is the smallest. Bhakra is on the Sutlej, not the Beas.